How long?

[TeleTristan]

Do you think it takes for a rhythm section (drums, bass, r-guitar) to start clicking in a group? I know the answers vary, but I only have experience with one drummer... and we've been practically married (minus the b*tt$**) since junior high school... that's like 20+ years. He's about to be offered a gig with a very well known international act to be their touring drummer... so I'm hunting for a skin beater that I can gel with. Any thoughts?

[crusty]

If it's gonna click it'll click right away

[Tingly]

SOME people *do* 'click' right away.

But in the rehearsing-for-our-first-gig-together arena, it's sorta the sum of the time available plus the effort made, multiplied by the number of people in the band.

Certainly, within a month of, say, weekly 3 hour rehearsals, there should be "some signs of life," no?...

[Rax]

If it's gonna click it'll click right away
Yep. You'll know.
But it may take a couple of weeks to know if that person has the work ethic's that you need.

[crusty]

SOME people *do* 'click' right away.

But in the rehearsing-for-our-first-gig-together arena, it's sorta the sum of the time available plus the effort made, multiplied by the number of people in the band.

Certainly, within a month of, say, weekly 3 hour rehearsals, there should be "some signs of life," no?...

For sure, there's definitely stuff that will need to develop over time, and as Rax says, that's basically about a person's work ethic, and how much they're into the band. I think a big part of the initial 'clicking' is in compatibility - in genre/playing style (which was probably determined beforehand anyways,) experience, and personality.

[TeleTristan]

Thank you for your input... you're all definitely correct. I'll keep all updated...

[Keith]

I know it's already been said, but in my experience, personality comes first. If the person has a great talent, but lacks social skills, nothing will blend. I would rather have a musician that has decent talent but great communication skills over one that is amazing but is self centered.

Musically, "The Click" may or may not come on the first jam as nerves play into it. It may not come on the second or third, but if you all can communicate well and the drummer can vibe off that, everyone can build off it and work better together.

[crusty]

...Musically, "The Click" may or may not come on the first jam as nerves play into it. It may not come on the second or third, but if you all can communicate well and the drummer can vibe off that, everyone can build off it and work better together.

I think thats partially "the rust factor." If you take a bunch of guys that have never jammed together, put are all talented musicians who have been practicing 4 or more hours a day for a week leading up to the jam - I think it will click right away, but if you've got one or two guys who haven't picked up thier guitar in a couple of months, there going to be time involved in the whole click process :)